Irrigation Dept SE Under Vigilance Lens: Raids Unearth 85 Plots In Odisha & Bengal, 5-Storey Bldg & Gold Biscuit

By OB Bureau On Aug 2, 2024

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance sleuths on Friday detected a five-storey building, a market complex, 85 plots, 218 grams gold and Rs 11.7 lakh in cash during raids at seven places in Balasore district in connection with alleged disproportionate assets amassed by Superintending Engineer (SE) of Irrigation, Balasore Division, Pravas Kumar Pradhan.

A Vigilance release stated that Pradhan had been given a promotion as Chief Engineer of Baitarani Barrage Division at Salapada in Keonjhar, but was yet to assume charge.

Simultaneous house searches are being conducted by teams comprising 2 Additional SPs, 4 DSPs,6 inspectors, 7 ASIs and other supporting staff on the strength of search warrants issued by Special Judge, Vigilance, Balasore.

Raids are currently on at the following locations:

1. Parental residential house at Badabazaar, Jaleswar, Balasore.

2. A five-storey newly-constructed building at Badabazaar, Jaleswar, Balasore.

3. A single-storey building with boundary wall and market complex at Badabazaar, Jaleswar, Balasore.

4. House of a relative at Mahinsamunda, Baliapal, Balasore.

5. Government quarters at Irrigation Colony near Govt ITI Chhak, Balasore.

6. His office chamber at SE Balasore Division, near Govt ITI Chhak in Balasore

7. House of his close associate at Santia, Jaleswar, Balasore.

Assets unearthed so far during the searches are as follows:

1. A five-storey building over 12,500 sqft area at Jaleswar.

2. One newly-constructed building with RCC roofing and boundary wall and market complex spread over 5650 sqft at Gobara Ghat, Jaleswar, Balasore.

3. 85 plots (80 at Jaleswar, 4 at Delanga in Puri, and one at Sunakania, West Bengal).

4. Rs11,70,980 in cash

5. 218 grams of gold, including a gold biscuit.

6. A four-wheeler (Indica) and a two-wheeler ( Honda Activa)

The release further said that the plots were purchased by Pradhan in different years in his name as well as that of his family members. “The total registered sale deed value comes to over Rs 2 crore. However, the actual value is likely to be higher, which is being verified,” it said.

While measurement and valuation/assessment of the buildings and plots are being carried out by Vigilance Technical Wing, bank, postal, insurance and other deposits are also being ascertained, it added.